Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Burlington is 11% more affordable than Columbia. A $75,000 salary in Columbia is equivalent to $67,045 in Burlington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Vermont salaries · Maryland salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Burlington has a housing index of 139 while Columbia sits at 172 (national average = 100). The median home in Burlington costs $380,000 compared to $430,000 in Columbia, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Burlington versus $1,900 in Columbia.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Burlington scores 108 while Columbia scores 104.
Healthcare costs in Burlington (116) are higher than Columbia (101).
Median household income in Burlington is $51,098 compared to $112,738 in Columbia. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Burlington.
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